(Answer)-Mssd config limited to 8gb 1dim dv6/7-7xxx

I thought I would post my thoughts on why the ivy bridge dv6/7 is limited to an 8g 2dimm config when configured to have a mssd.

I think that the Mssd acts as a channel of memory when hdd caching is enabled, HP wont let you order a higher 2dimm configuration because you wont have access to the second channel. It would be stupid to actually advertise 1dimm, so to avoid RMA's they probably limited the ram configuration. I can imagine the outrage of someone who payed $300+ dollars for cheap ram that they can't even use. Therefore if you did order a mssd and want to upgrade to a ssd (rendering the mssd useless) you can enjoy dual channel memory.

Could be wrong about this but I don't think so.

 

I think it's a physical limitation. The mSATA drive takes up the same area as one of the DIMMs. Nothing more complicated than that.

 

It has been confirmed that the mssd is no where near the second ram slot.

 

Im almost 100% sure your wrong. I remember seeing someone post a screenshot from their new DV6 with HWInfo64 running and it showed dual channel with (2) 4 gig memory sticks @ 1600 Mhz. They had a 32 GB mSATA drive as well so im pretty sure it has no effect on the memory. I will confirm when I get mine in a few days.

 

Can you link the screenshot?

I'm scratching my head as to why hp won't let you configure it with over 8 gigs of ram. I figured the mssd occupying one channel was the most reasonable answer.

 

Thats the thing. It was some screenshot on this forum or another but I am trying to go back through my internet history and check for it. But I do have an alternative link you can use to see that HP does ship these with (2) DIMM's and that would mean dual channel. : http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...7xxx-series-ivy-bridge-owners-lounge-128.html


Scroll to the last post on the page and click the stock 1600 Mhz benchmark and it shows 2 DIMM's. I have also wondered why HP did that but they also do allot of weird stuff with their custom configs for seemingly no reason. anyway I think his 3Dmark11 score is quite nice.

 

I see dual channel memory, but no mssd.

 

I dont believe that it reported with 3Dmark11 software if it used as a cache for the harddrive. I use it on my laptop and it only shows basic specs. But time will surly tell.

 

Then why did you link those screenies...?

 

because he had stated earlier that he had got the mSATA option.

 

Can you link that post?

 

when I have time to look for it I will, but why so adamant?

 

Perhaps it has something to do with memory controllers.

Ill ask my friendly neighborhood electrical engineer next time i see him.

 

I think so, the only difference between a $1000 computer and a $1500 dollar computer in some cases is the amount of ram. Uninformed consumers buy 16gb of ram because they think they need it. I don't think hp would give up that very valuable option in customization without very good reason.

 

alright, we will soon see when I get mine in the mail. simple enough.

 

It still clearly states on my order that the memory is 2dimm 8gb. I will also know definitively on wednesday when i receive mine.

 

did you get the 32GB mSATA option?

 

Yes. I got the 32 gb msata option.

 

ok well please report back with new info once you get the laptop. thanks

 

mSATA is exactly what it's name implies... SATA. Why would it use a channel of RAM when it's connected to the SATA controller on the mobo? That's like saying a hard drive takes up a channel of memory. The mSATA SSD should be totally separate from the integrated RAM controller on the CPU.

HP uses the same HM77 chipset as everyone else, and none of the other laptops (e.g. Sager NP9130) have the limitation. Plus, if you go to the HP configurator now, they let you choose mSATA + 2 dimms of RAM. So my guess is that it was a bug with the configurator or something.

 

He thinks that the mssd is taking up a ram slot which is not the case. HP doesn't let you configure over 8 gigs in the laptop.

 

Your correct as far as I know, I dont know why people would think that its takes up a channel of memory or some other mess. SATA and RAM are two completely separate things on a motherboard.

 

Looks like mods cleaned up the thread. The only person I see saying that mSATA takes up a RAM slot is the second posted, who never posted again.

Anyway, I can guarantee that the mSATA slot does not use a channel of RAM. That's just not how mSATA works. And plus, that would be pretty big false advertising on HP's part. I doubt it would have gotten past their marketing team if they were trying to sell 1 DIMM as 2 DIMMs.

Dunno what the real problem is though. Maybe someone can try upgrading the RAM to see if there's an actual software/hardware limitation somewhere.

 

This was my best guess, I thought that this particular laptop might use msata the same way readyboost works.